Unilever Food Solutions this week announced the appointment of MRM Singapore as its digital AOR. Including Singapore and Southeast Asia, MRM will now handle strategy development, creative design and implementation services for the client's entire portfolio among B2B customers online.
Singaporean ticketing services provider SISTIC has launched a mobile app providing access to entertainment information and event tickets. Soft launched earlier this year, the app is developed by Mobiquest and partners with Google Maps to offer users agent and venue details and directions.
Tequila Singapore has announced it is merging its digital operations with TBWA Digital Arts Network (DAN). DAN is the unification of TBWA’s digital talent and formalises a global structure for how the network approaches digital and integration. It will provide TBWA with an array of competencies, including creative technology, UX, social media, mobile, content, IP, search and analytics.
In Malaysia, PHD has hired Kenneth Wong as associate digital director to help strenghten the agency's online offering, including leading digital initiatives and developing specialised services. Wong has nine years experience in the industry, including his latest role as head of online and ITL for marketing and communications planning at Celcom Axiata Berhad.
In Indonesia, Yahoo has announced its intention to shut down social network Koprol on 28 August. Koprol was acquired by Yahoo two years ago and currently has approximately 1.5 million users. The shutdown follows Yahoo's decision to lay off 2,000 employees worldwide - including the Koprol team. Industry insiders are attributing the decision to Yahoo's struggles over the last few years.
Reported out of Bangkok, Lowe Thailand's integrated activation division Open has appointed Rob Hall as general manager. Hall joins from Arc/ Leo Burnett Thailand and comes onboard to help the agency scale up its operations as it moves to focus on building digital capabilities. Hall has also previously worked at Rapp/ DDB Sydney.
Reported out of Hong Kong, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has named Isobar as its digital AOR. The agency is tasked with revamping the group's brand website and launching a further 20 property websites in multiple languages. The initiative, scheduled to start launching in March 2013, marks Isobar's largest website project to date.
Out of the Mainland this week, internet advertising platform owner AdChina has promoted its chief technology officer Cheng Huayi to president. Cheng, one of the company's founding members, will now be responsible for internal operations and managing the agency's technology platforms. He has previously worked at Ebay and PayPal in the US.
In more news out of China, OgilvyOne this week announced the promotion of Gao Yan and Doug Schiff, effective immediately. Both are expanding their currently Beijing-based roles to a national level, with Gao stepping up as as VP of operations and Schiff taking responsibility for all creative work and talent management in China.
